Bennett Claims Hamas Aides Were Welcomed Into Gaza With Help From Turkey and Qatar

Israel is facing a fierce political debate over a new U.S.‑led initiative aimed at shaping post‑war governance in Gaza. Critics from across the Israeli political spectrum have voiced alarm that the so‑called “Gaza Board of Peace” opens the door to countries long hostile to Israel, including Turkey and Qatar.

The controversy erupted after Washington’s announcement last week that an advisory board would help coordinate reconstruction, governance and humanitarian efforts in Gaza once active hostilities subside. Among the nations named as members were Turkey and Qatar countries that have consistently supported Hamas and harshly criticized Israel.

Former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett was among the most outspoken. In a social media post on Tuesday, he denounced the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar, calling them “the foremost haters of Israel” and “the most enthusiastic aides of Hamas.” Bennett argued that allowing such actors to have a seat at the table amounts to humiliating diplomacy and a failure by the current Israeli government to defend national interests.

“What a terrible diplomatic failure by the Netanyahu‑Ben‑Gvir‑Smotrich government,” Bennett wrote. “Soon we will fix this, too.”

His remarks tapped into a broader sentiment among many Israelis that foreign influence in Gaza’s future should exclude states seen as adversaries of Israel. For years, Israel has viewed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ambitions in Gaza with suspicion, seeing them as efforts to expand Ankara’s regional clout at Israel’s expense. Doha, likewise, has provided channels of support to Hamas leaders, drawing Israeli ire.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded swiftly after the U.S. announcement, stating that the plan “contradicts Israeli policy” and was never coordinated with Israeli authorities. The statement stressed that Jerusalem objects to the composition of the board, particularly the roles assigned to Ankara and Doha.

Since the announcement, leaders across the Israeli political spectrum have weighed in. Opposition figure Yair Lapid echoed Bennett’s concern, calling the decision a “diplomatic failure for Israel.” Others in government have also questioned whether any consultative body should include nations with histories of antagonism toward Israel and formal or informal ties to Hamas.

Adding another twist, sources told Reuters that Israel was also invited to participate in the advisory board. However, Jerusalem has not yet accepted the invitation. Netanyahu made clear during a parliamentary session that while Israel is open to engaging in future Gaza arrangements, it will not agree to Turkish or Qatari soldiers or security forces being present in the territory.

“Turkish or Qatari soldiers will not be in the Strip,” Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that there is a “dispute with our friends in the United States regarding the composition of the advisory council that will accompany the processes in Gaza.”

The clash between Jerusalem and Washington underscores deep differences over how to manage Gaza’s post‑conflict transition. The United States has been pushing for an international framework to stabilize the territory, ensure humanitarian aid delivery and begin reconstruction. U.S. officials argue that a multilateral approach offers broader legitimacy and resources for a region devastated by years of violence.

But many Israelis see the plan differently. For them, the prevailing question is how to ensure that any international involvement does not empower enemies, compromise Israeli security or reward Hamas indirectly. The inclusion of Turkey and Qatar both of which have hosted or engaged with Hamas leadership in the past has become symbolic of those fears.

Turkish involvement, in particular, has been a long‑standing red line for Israeli policymakers. Ankara’s rhetoric has often been sharply critical of Israel, and Erdogan’s government has cultivated relationships with Islamist groups across the region. For critics of the Gaza board, allowing Turkey a formal role in shaping Gaza’s future is tantamount to legitimizing a hostile agenda.

Qatar’s participation is similarly contentious. While Doha has positioned itself as a mediator in various regional disputes, it has also provided support to Hamas officials in Doha. That support has helped sustain the group politically and financially, even as Israel and its partners have sought to contain its influence.

Netanyahu’s government is now navigating a complex diplomatic balancing act. On the one hand, Israel needs continued support from the United States, its most important strategic ally. On the other hand, Jerusalem is determined to oppose any arrangement that could undermine its security or grant influence to adversarial actors.

The debate is unfolding against the backdrop of broader regional realignments. Israel has forged new ties with several Arab states over the past few years, and there is ongoing discussion about how to translate those diplomatic gains into lasting security and economic benefits. Some analysts believe that the controversy over the Gaza board could influence how Middle East allies view their cooperation with Israel and the United States.

For Israelis, the question at hand is not just about diplomatic terminology or board membership it is about who gets to shape the future of Gaza, a territory that remains a flashpoint of conflict. The current government has pledged to push back against what it sees as efforts to dilute Israeli influence or empower hostile powers under the guise of peacebuilding.

While the United States continues to advocate for a multilateral role in Gaza, Israeli leaders are making it clear that any future must respect Israel’s security needs and strategic concerns.

The debate is far from over. But one thing is certain: Jerusalem will not quietly accept arrangements that it believes compromise the safety of its citizens or the integrity of its defense.

Israel stands firm in defending its values and its people in every forum, fighting to shape a future for the region that honors peace, stability and security.

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